Relevance of the issue
The problem of allergization in society is now very acute. This is primarily due to the growth of progress - every day we are surrounded by more and more aggressive substances that can cause an allergic reaction. But medicine does not stand still. Every year, new drugs to combat allergies appear, and methods of therapy and prevention are developed.
The demand for allergology as a science, as well as for medical care, has increased the demand for medical institutions and private offices of allergists. Perhaps this is the only way to preserve people’s health and avoid the consequences of the harmful effects of allergens.
An allergist's office must meet certain requirements and standards. They are prescribed in Appendix No. 3 to the Procedure for providing medical care to the population in the profile “allergology and immunology”, approved by order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated November 7, 2012 No. 606n.
What issues does an allergist solve?
The Ministry of Health recommends opening allergy surgeries in medical centers or clinics. This is especially important if the doctor works with children. An allergist also involves other specialized specialists in his work, depending on the specific clinical case.
Here is a list of tasks that an allergist solves:
- Establishing diagnosis. To do this, the doctor collects anamnesis, conducts provocative and allergy tests and identifies the allergen that caused the body’s reaction;
- Prescription of treatment. For this, specific allergens or an integrated approach are used;
- Carrying out hyposensitization ;
- Monitoring patients in a dispensary.
In addition, an allergist advises other specialists on practical allergology issues.
Doctor's potential patients
An allergist works with patients of different age groups - both children and adults. Among his potential patients are people who have been diagnosed with bronchial asthma, hay fever, rhinitis, exogenous alveolitis or laryngotracheitis of an allergic nature, urticaria, Quincke's edema, dermatitis, etc. These conditions are treated by an allergist.
Office requirements
The priority is the safety of patients and medical staff during treatment. Therefore, strict requirements are imposed on the offices. They relate to both the equipment of the office and work regulations, staffing, etc.
- Let's look at these standards next.
- Staff
- The office has two full-time employees - a doctor and a nurse.
The doctor must have special education and experience in this field. He manages the work of the office and is responsible for everything that happens within its walls. The doctor examines patients, orders a diagnostic examination, prescribes a treatment regimen, and also monitors the patient’s condition and response to the therapy.
The nurse must also have appropriate training and be able to perform skin tests and perform hyposensitization.
She must also be proficient in sterilization methods and be able to provide first aid to a patient in an emergency.
Among the nurse's job responsibilities are maintaining all medical records, monitoring the availability of syringes and needles, storing equipment and medications, and processing instruments.
- A laboratory assistant can also work in the office, although this is an optional staff position.
- Cabinet Equipment Standards
- The allergist's office consists of two rooms - in one the doctor receives patients, in the second the nurse carries out the necessary procedures.
The bulk of the work with patients is carried out in the treatment room. Here patients are examined, tests and tests are carried out, and hyposensitization is carried out.
The Ministry of Health places special requirements on the equipment of the office.
General provisions
The office should be spacious, bright, warm, but at the same time well ventilated. It is necessary to provide good lighting - both natural and artificial. The walls are tiled, the ceiling is painted with white oil paint.
The treatment room must have a washbasin, cold and hot water. A fan is used to regulate the temperature in the room.
On the wall at eye level, nurses hang a reminder about first aid for a patient during an asthma attack, Quincke's edema, or anaphylactic shock.
Hygiene
After each patient appointment, the doctor and nurse should thoroughly wash their hands. Therefore, there should always be soap and a clean towel in the treatment room.
During epidemics of respiratory diseases, a nurse works in a mask.
Documentary base
The nurse is responsible for the order of documents. The most important documents in the allergist’s office are the patient’s medical history and the follow-up checklist.
- All information about the patient, anamnesis, and all activities that were carried out are entered into the medical history.
- Data on skin testing is also included: type of test and allergen, date and patient’s reaction.
- Sample data is also recorded in a special log.
- The following documentation is also required:
- Register of patients prescribed treatment. Information about the daily dose of the introduced allergen and the reaction to it is also stored here;
- Patient card - all cards are combined into a file cabinet for dispensary records;
- Sample registration forms . They are attached to the patient's medical history.
All documentation is stored in proper form. The nurse is responsible for the order.
Equipment requirements: furniture, equipment
Each office may have a different amount of furniture, etc. - it depends on the possibilities. Here is an approximate list of necessary furniture:
- Tables - for doctor and nurse;
- Test table;
- Table for preparing allergens and conducting immunotherapy;
- Couches for examining patients - 2 pcs., a couch for carrying out procedures;
- Cabinets - for storing materials and tools, a safe for storing potent drugs;
- Refrigerators - for storing diagnostic and therapeutic allergens, blood, serums.
- You can add to this list, but the items listed are the bare minimum.
- Mandatory apparatus and instruments
- A modern office should be equipped with high-tech diagnostic and therapeutic devices and instruments.
- These include:
- Portable ventilator;
- Peak flow meters;
- Spirograph;
- Pneumoscope;
- Pneumotachometer;
- Aerosol inhaler;
- Bactericidal irradiator and lamp;
- Stopwatch;
- Tonometer;
- Wall thermometer.
An allergist should have at his disposal:
1. Medical instruments : needles, tourniquets, mouth dilator, scalpel, scarifiers, spatulas, disposable syringes and needles for them, scissors, tweezers, phonendoscope, tongue holder.
2. Patient care items : measuring tape, oxygen bag, ice pack, pipettes, cups, trays, thermometer.
3. Dishes and other equipment : waste bucket, glass jars for storing spatulas, cuvette, basin, test tube racks.
There must be a kit to assist the patient in case of anaphylactic shock.
Equipment is sterilized in autoclaves. Therefore, this device also needs to be installed in the office.
Medications
In the treatment room of an allergist, the following groups of drugs should be available in the form of injections, inhalations, tablets, dragees: antihistamines, bronchodilators and vasoconstrictors, glucocorticosteroids, as well as solutions of glucose, sodium chloride, distilled water, cardiac medications.
All medications are stored in cabinets or refrigerators. The nurse keeps strict records of medications and is responsible for their safety and proper storage. All funds must be signed for.
- The list of drugs is regulated by the Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.
- Allergens
- In addition to medications, allergens are also stored in the allergist’s office for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Here are the main groups of necessary allergens:
- Household - dust, feathers;
- Epidermal - hair of various animals, human hair;
- Pollen plants are different plants;
- Food - allergens from eggs, cereals, fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, berries;
- Fungal - candida, etc.;
- Bacterial - staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, etc.
Allergens are stored in Oka refrigerators.
Source: http://www.kranz.ru/press-centr1/standarty-osnashcheniya-meditsinskikh-kabinetov/kabinet-allergologa-immunologa
Profession allergist
An allergist deals with the prevention, diagnosis, identification of causes and treatment of any allergic manifestations: from seasonal runny nose and urticaria to Quincke's edema, bronchial asthma and anaphylactic shock.
Using tests, the doctor identifies the allergen and prescribes treatment - eliminating the symptoms or the cause of the disease, if it can be detected.
If necessary, the allergist refers the patient for consultation to other specialized specialists: pulmonologist, gastroenterologist, dermatologist, rheumatologist, ENT specialist, etc.
Allergology is closely related to immunology - both study the reactions of the immune system to irritants and external influences. However, there are slight differences between doctors in these areas:
- An immunologist diagnoses and treats immune pathologies.
- An allergist specializes in cases where the immune response is inadequate to the irritant.
These are similar specializations of doctors, so the market mainly requires allergists-immunologists.
Nowadays, the profession of an allergist is considered especially in demand, as the number of allergy patients is constantly growing. The main reasons for this:
- Weakening of innate and acquired immunity.
- Pathology of the digestive system.
- Impaired liver function as the body's main detoxification filter.
- Incorrect kidney function.
In addition, the reason for this growth lies in the deterioration of the environment, food quality, high stress at work, bad habits (including snacking “on the run” instead of a full lunch), uncontrolled use of antibiotics and much more. According to WHO, every 5th person on the planet today suffers from various types of allergic reactions.
Places of work
There are positions of allergists-immunologists in clinics, hospitals, scientific and diagnostic medical centers, and institutes.
History of the profession
The first anaphylactic shock was described in Egypt, in 2540 BC. However, allergology appeared only in the 20th century - before that, only immunology existed. The term allergology appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century, in 1906. It was introduced into use by the Austrian pediatrician Clemence Pirquet. Since then, the rapid development of allergology as a science has begun.
Responsibilities of an allergist
Typically, the responsibilities of an allergist include:
- advises patients and plans treatment;
- sends for clinical and laboratory diagnostics (urine, blood tests, x-rays, etc.);
- performs allergy tests;
- selects an individual hypoallergenic diet;
- monitors patients with bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis;
- helps eliminate postoperative allergic complications;
- participates in medical examination of patients with allergies and immunodeficiency conditions;
- prepares medical documentation (sick leave certificates, referrals to MSEC).
In clinics and medical centers, an allergist sees patients during the day; in hospitals, they also work night shifts.
Requirements for an allergist
Standard requirements for an allergist:
- higher medical education (“General Medicine”, for pediatric allergists also “Pediatrics”);
- a valid certificate (“Allergology” or “Allergology-immunology”);
- knowledge of the theory and modern methods of treatment in allergology;
- medical book;
- PC knowledge for reporting and maintaining electronic outpatient records.
Large private clinics often require at least five years of experience. Sometimes knowledge of English is required, but more often doctors themselves need it in order to read foreign professional publications and literature.
How to become an allergist
To become an allergist, you need:
- Graduate from a university with a degree in General Medicine or Pediatrics.
- Receive an accreditation sheet along with your diploma by passing tests, an exam and an interview with a special commission consisting of doctors of science and professors. This will give the right to work independently on an outpatient or outpatient basis.
- It is mandatory to work for a year in a clinic or outpatient clinic, and then enter residency (2 years) in the specialty “Allergology”.
In the process of work, doctors are awarded qualification points confirming accreditation: for performing complex manipulations, participating in scientific and practical conferences and seminars, for publishing scientific articles, books, and defending a dissertation.
Every 5 years these points are summed up and assessed by the accreditation commission. If you score a sufficient number of points, you can continue working in your specialty for the next five years. If there are not enough points, the doctor is deprived of the right to treat.
Read more about cancellation of internship and accreditation.
The growth of professionalism, level of knowledge and experience of a doctor is usually reflected by qualification category . All categories are assigned by a qualification commission in the presence of the doctor himself, based on his written research work containing a description of skills and knowledge. Assignment deadlines:
- more than 3 years of experience - second category;
- more than 7 years - first;
- more than 10 years - highest.
A doctor has the right not to qualify, but this will be a disadvantage for career growth.
Career and professional growth is also facilitated by scientific activity - writing candidate and doctoral dissertations, publications in medical journals, speaking at conferences and congresses.
Allergist salary
The salary of an allergist depends on the region of work: in large cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg) it ranges from 30 to 80 thousand rubles per month, in small cities and regions - from 18 to 60 thousand rubles per month.
Allergists of the highest qualification category with extensive work experience who can treat children and adults earn the most. Large private clinics are, of course, more solvent than government institutions.
In addition to higher education, there are a number of short-term training on the market, usually lasting from a week to a year.
The Medical University of Innovation and Development invites you to take distance retraining or advanced training courses in the field of “Allergology and Immunology” to obtain a diploma or state certificate. Training lasts from 16 to 2700 hours, depending on the program and your level of training.
The Interregional Academy of Additional Professional Education (MADPO) provides training in the specialization “Allergology and Immunology” and issues diplomas and certificates.
Source: https://enjoy-job.ru/professions/allergolog/
Allergist-immunologist
Allergists-immunologists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases, asthma and other disorders of the immune system. Many people suffering from allergic symptoms are unaware of how much better they can feel when their disease symptoms are properly diagnosed and managed by an allergist-immunologist.
The allergist's approach is individual. An allergist typically takes medical histories, performs a physical examination, and performs specific allergy tests. The results lead to an individualized treatment plan, which usually includes measures to prevent or eliminate triggers and recommendations for medications to suppress uncomfortable symptoms.
According to the results of numerous studies, every fifth person on the planet suffers from some type of allergy, and this number is growing rapidly.
The reason for such disappointing indicators is: environmental deterioration, active use of chemicals in everyday life, frequent use of low-quality medications and self-medication, consumption of low-quality products and fast food, and much more. In other words, the way of life has deteriorated significantly.
You can visit an allergist-immunologist in specialized research centers, diagnostic centers, hospitals, and clinics. The main features of a doctor are responsibility, clear analytical thinking, the desire to get to the bottom of the truth, unsurpassed memory, the desire to learn new things (after all, new allergens and symptoms constantly appear), and the ability to use modern technologies.
Causes of allergies
Allergies are the result of a chain reaction that begins in the immune system. The immune system controls the body's defense processes. For example, if there is a pollen allergy, the immune system identifies the pollen as an invader or allergen.
The immune system overreacts by producing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction. The body is individual, and it is impossible to predict how powerful the reaction will be.
Research on this topic should be carried out by an allergist-immunologist.
What diseases does an allergist treat?
Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal or year-round. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) usually occurs in the spring, summer or fall. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose and itchy nose and eyes. When symptoms occur year-round, they may be caused by exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mites or pets.
Asthma is an allergic disease that causes frequent episodes of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and cramps.
Allergists may be involved in treating sinus and ear infections. People with asthma are more prone to sinus infections (rhinosinusitis), which in turn can make asthma worse.
Sinus infections are also common in people with allergic rhinitis. Young children will have more ear infections; it is important to monitor children with very frequent or severe infections.
This is because the most severe immunodeficiencies usually appear in the first years of life.
Food allergies – Even small amounts of a food you are allergic to can cause a reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction are usually observed on the skin or associated with the stomach and intestines.
These include swelling, hives, eczema (an itchy, red scaly rash), vomiting, diarrhea, cramping or abdominal pain.
Allergy tests performed by an allergist can determine which foods, if any, cause symptoms.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a skin allergy that causes a red, dry, itchy rash on the face, elbows, wrists, knees and ankles. Atopic dermatitis can be treated, but not cured.
Urticaria (hives) are red, itchy, swollen patches of skin that can vary in size and appear anywhere on the body.
Angioedema is swelling of the deeper layers of the skin, such as the eyelids, tongue or lips.
Anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) is a serious allergic reaction that occurs very quickly. Without immediate treatment - an injection of epinephrine and expert help - anaphylaxis can be fatal.
Problems with the immune system can cause recurring infections such as bronchitis, ear infections or pneumonia.
People with inherited immune system disorders (primary immunodeficiency disorders) are less able to fight off infections and are more susceptible to complications.
Although these disorders are rare, there are about 100 different types, making diagnosis and treatment by an allergist-immunologist very important.
When to see an allergist
Often asthma or allergy symptoms develop over time.
Allergy sufferers may become accustomed to frequent symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, or wheezing. With the help of an allergist, these symptoms can be prevented or controlled with significant improvements in quality of life.
Effectively treating asthma and allergies requires planning, skill and patience. An allergist with specialized training can develop a treatment plan for each individual condition. The goal will be for the patient to lead a life that is as normal and asymptomatic as possible.
So, when should you see a doctor:
- when there is complete confidence that discomfort occurs upon contact with certain substances;
- with frequent manifestations of seasonal discomfort;
- prolonged presence of discomfort that does not disappear after visiting other doctors (severe headaches, diarrhea, chronic fatigue, redness of the skin, itching, damage to the mucous membranes, etc.).
It is worth making an appointment with an allergist-immunologist, even if symptoms appear that at first glance are not related to allergies - a sharp increase in temperature (without reason), itching during physical activity, frequent dizziness, loss of consciousness, nosebleeds. Any discomfort for the body is not harmless.
Diagnostic methods
- At the appointment, the doctor performs the following manipulations: conversation with the patient; ordering a number of tests; determination of the type of allergen; clarification of the form of the disease; development of an optimal treatment regimen; treatment control; selection of prevention methods; clarification of housing maintenance rules; development of individual instructions for allergy sufferers (with medications to relieve acute allergy attacks); Carrying out examinations of patients who are registered.
- In order to determine the irritating factor as accurately as possible and make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor prescribes: skin tests (provocations, prick test); pulse oximetry; detailed study of the functioning of the external respiratory organs; spirography, bronchoscopy, specific allergy testing, spirometry, CT and x-ray of the lungs.
- The following tests are prescribed: a blood test for the presence of antibodies that provoke allergies; serological study; MB research; stool analysis to determine dysbacteriosis, parasites and helminths; blood culture tank; collection of secreted fluids from the nose, eyes, ears.
Treatment methods
After all the necessary studies have been carried out, and based on the results, the doctor has determined the cause of the discomfort, a course of treatment is selected individually, which may consist of: antihistamines; sorbents; hormonal and non-hormonal ointments; antihistamine serums and ointments; calcium gluconate, bronchodilators; sedatives; diets; changes in usual lifestyle.
All immunologists-allergists agreed in one opinion and developed basic recommendations that can prevent the occurrence of allergic reactions in the future.
The first thing you need to do is reconsider your daily routine. With the help of doctors, choose the right diet, excluding red berries, red fruits and citrus fruits. Take vitamin complexes. Use immunostimulating dietary supplements. Start playing sports (at least jogging, ideally swimming). Develop the habit of tempering yourself.
It is important to remember that in all these cases it is important to consult a doctor.
Author of the article:
Furmanova Elena Alexandrovna
- Specialty: pediatrician, infectious disease specialist, allergist-immunologist.
- Total experience: 7 years.
- Education: 2010, Siberian State Medical University, pediatric, pediatrics.
- More than 3 years of experience as an infectious disease specialist.
He has a patent on the topic “Method for predicting the high risk of developing chronic pathology of the adeno-tonsillar system in frequently ill children.” And also the author of publications in Higher Attestation Commission magazines.
Source: https://FoodandHealth.ru/vrachi/allergolog-immunolog/
Who is an allergist-immunologist? What does he do?
An allergist is a medical practitioner who specializes in the treatment of allergies and related disorders. His area of expertise also includes immune problems. Basically, allergic disorders are the result of exposure to certain substances in the environment. The doctor is a certified medical specialist.
Allergy is the body's reaction to an irritant. It manifests itself in different ways: rashes, swelling, suffocation or other symptoms. The consequences of allergic shock can be anemia, decreased blood pressure, loss of consciousness and even convulsions.
An allergy is a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to repeated exposure to irritants (allergens).
Factors contributing to the development of allergies can be substances such as animal fur or saliva, food products, dyes, preservatives, molds, pollen and plant sap, dust, insects, medications, sunlight and others.
Types of allergies:
- Hay fever
- Quincke's edema
- Bronchial asthma
- Atopic dermatitis
- Allergy to dust
- Allergy to animal fur
- Drug allergy
- Chronic urticaria
- Insect allergy (to insect bites)
- Seasonal allergies
- Food allergies
- Sun allergy
- Allergy to cold, etc.
Accordingly, an allergist is a medical specialist who deals with the occurrence, course and treatment of allergic reactions.
An allergist develops preventive measures designed to prevent the occurrence of allergies, and has a variety of diagnostic techniques that allow timely detection and treatment of existing pathologies. An allergist is also a doctor who deals with the prevention of hay fever, food allergies and other types of allergic reactions, solves problems with correcting the immune system, and gives recommendations regarding proper nutrition and lifestyle in general. If necessary, the allergist recommends that the patient visit other specialists: an immunologist, nutritionist, dermatologist, ophthalmologist, gastroenterologist, otolaryngologist and others.
Conditions that an allergist treats include allergic reactions to food, medications, animals, asthma, urticaria (urticaria), eczema (atopic dermatitis), hay fever (allergic rhinitis), sinusitis, and immune disorders that lead to frequent infections such like pneumonia and thrush.
When should you contact an allergist?
Typical allergy symptoms or when to see an allergist:
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Eye redness and tearing
- Rash and itchy skin
- Cough
- Attacks of difficulty and/or wheezing
- Anaphylactic shock
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, pharynx, any part of the skin - Quincke's edema.
6 common questions pregnant women ask about allergies
The severity of these symptoms often interferes with leading a normal lifestyle, reduces performance, and allergic diseases such as Quincke's edema (angioedema) and anaphylactic shock pose an immediate threat to human life.
The list of diseases for which we recommend contacting an allergist:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Allergic sinusitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
- Allergic pharyngitis
- Allergic nasopharyngitis
- Allergic laryngitis
- Allergic otitis
- Angioedema (Quincke's edema)
- Hives
- Hay fever
- Eczema
- Atopic dermatitis
- Food allergies
- Hay fever
- Rhinitis
The following complaints may also be a reason for contacting or referral to an allergist-immunologist:
- cough or asthma attacks provoked by dust, strong odors, animal hair, tobacco smoke, cosmetics, seasonal flowering of plants, etc.;
- swelling of the nasal mucosa (allergic rhinitis), swelling of the lips, pharynx, larynx;
- itching and redness of the eyes, tearing;
- redness and swelling of the skin, itching, rash;
- frequent colds without reference to the cold season (more than twice a month);
- frequent relapses of herpes infection (HSV-1, HSV-2);
- exacerbation of human papillomavirus infection with the appearance of new formations in different parts of the body;
- chronic mycoses of the nail plate, skin of the hands and feet;
- drug allergies;
- muscle atony, emotional decline, chronic fatigue syndrome, drowsiness;
- fluctuations in body temperature not caused by previously diagnosed diseases;
- pain and inflammation of the joints, often in combination with other manifestations of allergies.
Responsibilities of a specialist
The responsibilities of an allergist include:
- Conducting medical tests for allergic disorders and making a diagnosis.
- Prescribing individual treatment for each patient.
- An allergist is required to conduct a systematic diagnosis for a patient suffering from allergies.
- Using analytical skills to properly analyze prospects.
- An allergist must have extensive knowledge to accurately determine the cause of an allergic reaction.
- The allergist should also give nutritional recommendations and prescribe a diet for the patient.
Requirements for the profession
To become an allergist, you need to have a higher medical education, as well as specialized education in the field of allergology-immunology. In the medical profession, practice and various achievements in the field of study are always welcomed.
Allergology is a branch of medicine that studies the causes of allergic reactions, the mechanisms of their development, the course of the disease, the clinical picture, and possible complications.
An allergist must also have the following skills and characteristics:
- Ability to do meticulous work
- Ability to work in a team with laboratory technicians to jointly identify and determine the cause of an allergic reaction
- Possession of the necessary knowledge in the field of not only allergology and immunology, as well as basic therapeutic knowledge. This helps the doctor not only prescribe treatment, but also explain to the patient how to apply this or that ointment, what to do in the event of another attack of an allergic reaction, etc.
At an appointment with an allergist, the patient is examined and certain notes are taken. To accurately identify the cause, the doctor may send the patient for blood and urine tests. When the test results are ready, the doctor gives recommendations and prescribes treatment.
Who is an immunologist?
The specificity of the work of an immunologist is to provide assistance to patients who have problems with the functioning of the immune system. An immunologist is engaged in identifying, monitoring the development and impact of various diseases on the body, developing specific therapeutic regimens and preventive measures based on the characteristics of the problem.
In most cases, the body's low resistance to external irritants is associated with a weakened immune system, which is unable to resist fungal, viral and bacterial infections.
Symptoms of pathology of the immune system:
- apathy
- allergy
- frequent illnesses
- chronic fatigue
- impaired concentration
- changes in mucous membranes
- changes in skin color and texture
- brittleness and discoloration of nails
The most severe forms of immunopathologies are AIDS and cancer, which destroy the body and lead to death. If alarming symptoms occur, you should consult an immunologist.
In most cases, to correct the functioning of the immune system, it is enough to establish a balanced diet and start taking biostimulants, multivitamins, antioxidants or adaptogens.
Source: https://materlife.ru/kto-takoj-allergolog-chem-on-zanimaetsya/
Allergist-immunologist
An allergist-immunologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats allergic reactions in the body. The doctor studies the state of the immune system, determines the processes that regulate the immune response to irritating factors.
What is an allergy?
The term “allergy” is understood as the body’s protective reaction to foreign particles perceived by it as a threat. In defense, the body produces histamines, which cause pronounced allergic symptoms.
Signs of allergy manifest themselves in the form of itching and skin rashes, rhinitis, sneezing, redness of the eye membranes, asthmatic attacks, Quincke's edema, anaphylactic shock.
Diseases and pathologies dealt with by an allergist-immunologist
The doctor treats various pathologies that arise as a result of an allergic reaction of the body under the influence of harmful factors and due to the individual characteristics of the immune system:
- allergic rhinitis - inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal sinuses. This reaction to irritating factors is most common;
- Quincke's edema is a serious condition manifested by swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx, which is why a person cannot breathe normally, the development of an extensive inflammatory process on the mucous membranes of the sinuses, mouth, eyelids;
- Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition characterized by frequent relapses. It is hereditary in nature and manifests itself in allergic reactions on the skin;
- contact type dermatitis – skin rashes that occur as a result of direct contact with an allergen;
- anaphylactic shock is a condition of extremely severe severity, manifested by a rapid decrease in blood pressure and deep fainting. Without immediate medical attention, it can lead to death;
- bronchial asthma - a disorder of the functioning of the bronchi, which is chronic in nature, a relapse occurs every time under the influence of an allergen;
- negative reaction of the body to certain foods (manifestation of food allergies);
- insect-type allergies - occurs when a person is bitten by various insects;
- allergic reactions to medications.
When should you see a doctor?
Allergic reactions vary in severity. If a person’s eyes begin to water, a cough appears, and the eyelids swell, this does not mean that the symptoms will not worsen over time.
To prevent the development of such severe pathologies as angioedema and anaphylactic shock, you must consult a doctor immediately after the following symptomatic picture occurs:
- periodic appearance of redness, spots, itching on the skin;
- if there is seasonality of a runny nose, itchy eyes, deterioration in general condition;
- when, after contact with certain substances, representatives of the animal world, a person’s nasal mucosa swells and lacrimation increases.
It is recommended to consult a doctor if you have allergic symptoms, this will make it easier for a specialist to diagnose and prescribe adequate treatment.
What happens during an examination with an allergist-immunologist?
Before going to a consultation with a doctor, it is recommended to take a detailed blood test in advance and provide the results to a specialist. The doctor examines the patient, listens to his main complaints, and carefully studies the medical history.
A number of questions will be asked regarding the frequency and periodicity of the occurrence of an allergic reaction, the presence of these pathologies in close blood relatives, and the time of onset of the allergy. The patient needs to tell the doctor about bad habits, gastronomic preferences, working conditions, and the presence or absence of chronic diseases.
An allergist-immunologist will prescribe a series of medical tests. In order for the research results to be as accurate and informative as possible, the day before contacting a specialist, it is not recommended to take any medications, dramatically change your diet, or drink alcohol.
The more honestly and completely the patient gives the allergist information about himself, the more likely it is that the doctor will be able to help get rid of the unpleasant signs of allergic reactions.
Rules for preparing for a doctor's visit
If it is necessary to visit an allergist-immunologist, the patient should take a shower, dress carefully, and take the latest results of the examination. It is not advisable to take any medications that relieve allergic manifestations.
List of necessary tests
An allergist-immunologist not only identifies the presence of an allergic reaction, but also looks for the reasons for its manifestation in order to prescribe the correct treatment. The patient will undergo a series of medical tests:
- general and detailed blood test;
- analysis for immunoglobulin determination;
- blood test to determine the type of irritating substance (food, representatives of flora and fauna, household chemicals);
- if necessary, consultation with other specialists is scheduled in the presence of concomitant diseases occurring in the chronic stage.
What is an immunogram?
If it is not possible to determine the type of allergen, or in cases where the manifestations of the symptomatic picture are severe, an immunogram is prescribed.
This laboratory analysis is aimed at studying the state of the immune system. To conduct the study, venous blood is taken or biological material is taken from a finger. A cerebrospinal fluid sample may be needed.
Types of therapy
- Based on the results of laboratory tests, the nature and intensity of the symptomatic picture, and the causes of allergic reactions, an allergist-immunologist can prescribe symptomatic or pathogenetic therapy.
- Symptomatic treatment involves taking antihistamines that inhibit the action of the allergen, preventing the appearance of an unpleasant clinical picture of allergies.
- Pathogenetic treatment - if the allergen has been identified, but it cannot be removed from the patient’s life, an extract of the irritating substance is introduced into the body so that the immune system develops antibodies to it, reducing the risk of relapse and reducing the intensity of the symptomatic picture.
This type of therapy can lead to side symptoms, and therefore requires a very careful and careful approach with preliminary complex diagnostics. Pathogenetic treatment can significantly reduce the dosage and frequency of taking antihistamines.
Professional quality
Responsibility, analytical thinking, desire for improvement, desire to help people are the main qualities that an allergist-immunologist should have.
Skills and abilities of an allergist-immunologist
This specialization requires skills in providing emergency care to patients with severe manifestations of side symptoms - angioedema and anaphylactic shock. The doctor must have basic knowledge of pharmacology, physiology and human anatomy.
Where to find a specialist?
An allergist-immunologist works in adult and children's clinics, hospitals, private medical and diagnostic centers. It is recommended that you make an appointment in advance with instructions on how to prepare for your visit and take certain tests.
Education
To become a professional allergist-immunologist, you must graduate from a higher educational institution (institute, university, academy) in a specialized specialty.
Source: https://nebolet.com/vrachi/allergolog-immunolog.html
A world without allergies: advice from an allergist-immunologist
On July 8, World Allergy Day is celebrated around the world, which was first held in 2005 by the decision of the World Allergy Organization (WAO) and the World Immunopathology Organization (WIPO).
Allergic diseases represent a global health problem and significantly impair the quality of life of patients and their families. We talked about the causes and methods of preventing allergies with Vera Eduardovna Drozd, an immunologist-allergist at the District Cardiology Dispensary “Center for Diagnostics and Cardiovascular Surgery.”
– Vera Eduardovna, tell us about the causes of allergies.
– An allergy is an atypical reaction of the human immune system to familiar environmental factors – allergens, which, when entering the body, lead to increased production of antibodies.
Therefore, almost everything that surrounds us can cause allergies.
Predisposition to one or another type of allergy is inherited; the likelihood of developing allergic diseases increases many times if both parents suffer from allergies.
– What can provoke such a reaction in the body?
– Everything that surrounds us can cause allergies. Allergens can be household, epidermal, pollen, food, fungal and industrial: house and book dust, animal hair, feathers, plant pollen, food products, household chemicals, medicines, cosmetics, chemicals.
– Tell us about the symptoms of allergic diseases?
– The following signs indicate an allergy: skin (rash, redness, itching), respiratory (runny nose, lacrimation, dry cough, sore throat, difficulty breathing, conjunctivitis) and manifestations from the gastrointestinal tract. In early childhood, atopic dermatitis is a common form of allergy; in older age, the disease can transform into bronchial asthma.
It is important to note that these symptoms may accompany false allergic reactions, which can occur in any person in the form of an intolerance reaction. It is often confused with a true allergic reaction. To prevent repeated episodes and the development of complications, it is necessary to seek advice from a specialist; only a doctor can determine the nature of the allergy.
– What are the modern methods for diagnosing allergies?
– In the diagnosis of allergies, to identify significant allergens in the development of symptoms of the disease, skin testing methods are used (by applying the allergen to the skin of the forearm) - this is a prick test or a scratch test, and laboratory methods of blood testing.
The laboratory uses a wide range of allergens, more than 100 (food, household, epidermal, pollen, mold and fungal allergens, insect allergens, mixtures of allergens, professional).
Research is carried out on an Immulite 2000 analyzer using the chemiluminescence method; tube technology provides information content of up to 98-100%, in contrast to the panel method.
The results of the studies are compared with the clinical picture of the disease. Thus, on the basis of the District Cardiological Dispensary in the Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergology, a closed-loop technology for providing comprehensive specialized care has been organized, including consultation, laboratory diagnostics and treatment.
– Vera Eduardovna, what is the prevention of allergic diseases?
– The manifestation and severity of allergic diseases do not always depend on whether the allergen is nearby or not. That is, it is not enough to remove a cat from the house that someone in the family has reacted to. Still, reducing contact with the allergen is the first and necessary step in treatment.
Allergy prevention is the prevention of the occurrence of an allergic disease, i.e. consultation with a specialist for persons who are predisposed to the development of allergies, and prevention of worsening of the clinical course of an existing disease.
In the second case, great importance is attached to a healthy lifestyle, prevention of respiratory infections, sanitation of foci of chronic infection, improvement of the knowledge and skills of the patient and his environment regarding the control and progression of disease symptoms.
The obligatory key to successful treatment is following the specialist’s recommendations and the patient’s desire to be healthy!
article from the site http://cmphmao.ru/node/24568
Source: https://www.dzhmao.ru/info/articles/mir-bez-allergii-sovety-vracha-allergologa-immunologa/
Allergist-immunologist - description of the profession, responsibilities, retraining and training in the specialty
What does an allergist-immunologist do?
An allergist-immunologist treats diseases associated with dysfunction of the immune system.
Work in the profession requires knowledge of the principles of the occurrence of various allergic reactions, the mechanisms of their influence and methods of prevention. In addition, the specialist needs to understand the field of dermatology, genetics and virology.
You can undergo training in the specialty “Allergology and Immunology” and gain the relevant knowledge through professional retraining courses on the basis of your existing higher medical professional education.
Job responsibilities
An allergist-immunologist treats diseases associated with the development of hypersensitive reactions to various substances (for example, pollen, wool, various dyes and preservatives). Patients with asthma, conjunctivitis, various dermatitis and eczema come to this specialist.
Initially, the doctor must examine the patient, make an accurate diagnosis and determine the factors influencing the development of the allergic reaction. Taking into account the patient’s condition, an individual treatment regimen is prescribed.
The responsibilities of an allergist-immunologist include:
- Initial examination of patients
- Collection of information about previous diseases
- Conducting outpatient and clinical studies
- Search for factors in the development of the immune response
- Establishing the correct diagnosis
- Development of a treatment regimen
- Prescribing additional tests and medications
- Maintaining patient records and other medical records
- Registration of certificates
- Vaccination
- Readmission of patients
Career and salary
Allergists-immunologists work in private and public clinics, medical centers, and hospitals. Salary depends on the qualifications of the specialist and on average is about 40,000 - 45,000 rubles per month.
Specialists working in government agencies receive a salary, bonuses for professional experience, as well as additional compensation.
Where to study to become an immunologist?
At the International Academy of Expertise and Assessment, you can obtain the profession of an allergist-immunologist in 3 months on the basis of higher medical professional education:
- One of the most affordable prices in Russia
- Fully distance learning from the comfort of your home
- Diploma of professional retraining of the established form
- Certificate of compliance with professional standards worth 10,000 rubles. For a present!
- Valid license for educational activities
- More than 10,000 graduates from 85 constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
You can find out more details and apply for training here: https://immunology.maeo.rf
Source: https://xn--80axh3d.xn--p1ai/professiya-allergolog-immunolog/